Ama Bus service disrupted in Bhubaneswar as drivers, conductors stage protest

Daily commuters are facing significant travel disruptions as the popular 'Ama Bus' service has been disrupted due to the protest by the conductors and drivers in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

As per reports, 'Ama Bus' drivers and conductors have staged a sit-in protest at various depots in the Capital City, alleging unprovoked assaults by some passengers.

Employees of 'Ama Bus' have expressed their concerns regarding safety, demanding that the state government implement adequate security measures.

The transport workers' demand comes after a series of incidents where they were allegedly assaulted by some passengers. 'Ama Bus' staff have stated that they will not resume services until protections are guaranteed.

Commuters' Inconvenience

The halt in bus operations has reportedly left commuters in Bhubaneswar struggling to find alternative methods of transportation. Many have been forced to rely on private vehicles, auto rickshaws, or shared taxi services, adding to the congestion on the city's roads.

Commuters have urged the government to resolve the situation swiftly and restore normalcy.

Must Read: Ama Bus service disruptions leave commuters stranded in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar

"I depend on 'Ama Bus' service for my daily communication. However, the service has been disrupted today due to the strike by the conductors and drivers. I have been waiting for the last 30 minutes, hoping that things get resolved and the service will resume. However, there is no hope now. I have to rely on private vehicles," said a commuter.

Meanwhile, the Capital Region Urban Transport, CRUT, that  operates the Ama Bus service said that in an incident that occurred on the night of 12th May 2025, involving a Ama Bus (Bus No: OD 33AH 0158, Route No: 23) operating from IGKC to Master Canteen, Trilochana Parida, a guide with Ama Bus was assaulted by a group of bikers.

The incident occurred near the Ayurvedic Hospital stoppage, where an exchange of words took place between the crew and a group of bikers. The confrontation was triggered by dust stirred up due to ongoing road construction and uneven surfaces. It is important to note that the bike group was travelling in the wrong direction on a one-way road, violating traffic norms, CRUT clarified.

Following the confrontation, the bikers aggressively chased the bus, prompting the captain to divert the route for the safety of the passengers and crew. The bus diverted from Fire Station to Baramunda, then proceeded to Acharya Vihar, and finally reached the Gadakana Depot, without making any intermediate stops.

"...Police conducted alcohol tests using breath analyzers of the captain (driver) and guide (conductor) which was found non-alcoholic. Unfortunately, the guide was physically assaulted by members of the biker group at the depot during discussion and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. A formal FIR has been registered in the designated Police Station.The senior officers of CRUT are engaged in discussions with the crew at Master Canteen and Gadakana Depot who are staging a protest over concern regarding their safety and security," it added.